The Watchet Grand Tour

This tour starts on the Esplanade, the site of Watchet's Marina, where many boating and
fishing activities can be observed at your leisure, whilst supping a pleasant cup of tea
or coffee from one of the local establishments or a drink from the Esplanade Club.

Along the Esplanade, you will also find the Tourist Office crammed full of useful information,
an intriguing second hand book shop and an Aladdin's Cave at The Ritz.

Taking pride of place in the centre of the Esplanade are the magnificent statues of The
Ancient Mariner and Yankee Jack by the renowned Scottish artist Alan Herriot.

Looking seaward and to your left is the Market House Museum and Holy Cross Chapel, whilst
to your right is the Memorial Ground and sports area. The Museum, with its free entrance,
is open most days and is well worth a visit to get the feel of "Old Watchet" before the rest
of your tour. The Memorial Ground is home to public tennis courts.

Take your time and walk past the Museum to the bridge over the Washford River, turn left by
the Star Inn and follow the footpath past the Royal British Legion into Mill Street.
Immediately on your left can be seen an old Packhorse Bridge alongside a row of 17th Century
thatched cottages.

Now follow the road to your right along Whitehall for a few hundred yards until you reach a further
footpath that was once part of Watchet's Mineral Railway. Following this path across the Washford
River will take you past Watchet's largest industry, the Paper Mill. For the length of this path
you may see an abundance of local wildlife and flowers, whilst on your right you will surely see,
smell and hear a passing Steam Train!

After about half a mile, turn left through the first gate leading to Kentsford Farm, with its unusual
natural Duck Pond and Medieval Bridge. Climb over the stile on the left of the farmhouse and cross
the fields, admiring on your way the excellent view of St. Decuman's Church and Spire overlooking the town.

On passing Snailholt Farm, keep an eye open for St. Decuman's Well over on your left. At the top of
the incline is the Church, with wonderful Medieval Floor Tiles and a Wagon Roof that dates back to
the 13th Century. On leaving the Church, the left hand path provides a speedy return to the town
centre whilst the the other will provide further views to enjoy.

On reaching the main road, cross straight over and pass through the gate and onto the footpath across
the field. from this point you will be able to cast your eyes over the majestic Quantock Hills, dominating
the distant skyline, which afford many more pleasant walks. To your right is the larger residential
area of Watchet. Follow the path down into St. Decuman's Road and observe the the marvelous views of
the Steep Holm and Flat Holm islands, in the middle of the Bristol Channel - both with a fascinating history
of their own. The Welsh Coast and the Brecon Beacons can be seen in the distance on a clear day!

Turn left and take the footpath down to the main road, cross the bridge over the railway and enjoy a
leisurely stroll down through the main shopping area of Swain Street, where you can find many very
interesting shops, full of quality products, clothes and gifts - many which are unique to Watchet!

The Grand Watchet Tour ends at the end of the street, where it meets the Esplanade. We hope you enjoy
your visit and stay a while to enjoy our town.

May we suggest you visit our pages of accommodation providers, shops, eating and drinking establishments
and service providers for further information, all of whom are proud members of Watchet Chamber of Trade,
who provide this site.